Macule (mækjul) is a term used to describe a flat spot or discoloration on the skin. The word is spelled with the letters "m," "a," "c," "u," and "l," and is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable (/ˈmækjul/). This word can be used to describe various skin conditions, including freckles, age spots, and vitiligo patches. Proper spelling of medical terms is crucial to ensure clear communication between medical professionals and patients.
A macule is a term used in dermatology to describe a small, flat, and evenly colored spot or patch on the skin. It is typically less than 1 centimeter in diameter and distinguished by a change in the skin's pigmentation or coloration. Macules can appear in a variety of colors, including red, pink, brown, or tan, and they do not protrude above the skin's surface nor do they cause any noticeable texture changes. These spots are often caused by an increased or decreased melanin production in the affected area.
Macules can arise from various causes, such as genetic factors, sun exposure, hormonal changes, or skin disorders. They can also be a result of inflammation, injury, or the healing process of different skin conditions. While macules are generally harmless and painless, they can sometimes be indicative of an underlying medical condition or serve as a precursor to more severe skin conditions. For instance, macules may be a symptom in conditions like vitiligo, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or melasma.
In addition to dermatology, the term "macule" is also used in other medical fields, including pathology and ophthalmology, to describe similar types of flat and discolored spots or lesions found on tissues or organs. Overall, the term "macule" provides a precise and concise description of a specific type of skin alteration, aiding medical professionals in accurately diagnosing and treating various skin conditions.
A small, smooth, circumscribed area of discoloration of the skin; see macula.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "macule" comes from the Latin term "macula", which means "spot" or "stain". The Latin term was derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *mak- meaning "to stain" or "to mark". From Latin, the word macula traveled into Old French as "macule", before eventually being borrowed into English.